i

I kind of knew
in the back
of my mind
that there was more
to come


ii

An urgent message
rings through the streets
"The Romans are at the gates!"

As soon as the news
reaches the house
giant catapults
start to pound the roofs
with rocks.


iii

Hoovering out
the cat hairs

scrubbing out
the loo



iv

The woman put her sad moon-face in
at the window of the car.
"You be good," she said.
"Yes, Momma," they said.
She slung her purse over her shoulder
and walked away.


v

Being James Bond
in miniature
is way cooler
than being a wizard.



vi

The park grew wild
and where we played football
the grass was torn
by the bombs



vii

At the time
everyone thought
that Elizabeth planned
to capture Mary.


viii

I'm so excited
I could burst
It's this cracking idea I've had
It's been worrying me away for weeks
It all started,
you see,
When I was showing some of my students
Where Greenland was on a map.


iix

Unbelievably,
the brown square
is identical
to the yellow square


ix

All us friends and relatives
are told to sit at the back
mind coats and bags
knowing our way
in the dark



x

Mum glared at Dad.
How many times
do I have to tell you
that the twins are called
James and Rebecca;
not Cheese and Tomato?

Granny shook
her head.


xi

The hard work
hopefully won't end
and we will stick together
no matter what


xii

Experimental
native style
knows
no boundaries



xiii

The fire detectors
are fitted
at regular intervals
along the tunnel



xiv

As an adult
Tarzan is once again
faced with the question of belonging
when he first meets humans
and discovers creatures
who look like himself.



xv

My heart misses a beat.
The girls have seen me
in my bikini.
They all gather around
looking and laughing at the sight.
How embarrassing!
It is a long way down.